The Russian government has leveled serious accusations against Ukraine, claiming Kiev provides military support to the M23 rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The allegations were made by Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, during a joint press conference with his Burundian counterpart Édouard Bizimana in Bujumbura on July 10, 2026.
Foreign interference in Congolese conflict
The Russian diplomat warned that foreign interference in African affairs, particularly in the DRC, is becoming increasingly evident. According to Lavrov, the Kinshasa government, with Burundi’s support, faces aggression from the M23 rebels, who receive backing from international actors — including Ukrainian entities.
« We are witnessing blatant attempts at foreign interference in African affairs, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The legitimate authorities of this Republic, with Burundi’s support, are currently confronting the aggression led by the so-called M23 group, which is backed by foreign actors, including Ukrainians. We are well aware of this, and our Burundian friends are too,» Lavrov declared.
Ukraine’s alleged strategic motives in Africa
The Russian Foreign Minister suggested that Ukraine’s involvement aims to undermine governments perceived as close to Moscow while expanding its own influence across the continent. « Ukrainians are participating in too many conflicts across Africa. They seek to support forces opposing legitimate governments solely to position themselves as a key player on the continent and create difficulties for countries allied with Russia,» he stated.
Drones and mercenaries: escalating concerns
The accusations come amid growing international concern over the use of armed drones in eastern DRC’s conflict. Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s chargé d’affaires at the United Nations, highlighted the humanitarian and security implications of drone warfare during a UN Security Council briefing on June 26, 2026.
Evstigneeva specifically referenced a deadly drone strike in Goma on March 11 that killed a UNICEF staff member. She also expressed Moscow’s concerns about reports of foreign mercenaries operating in the region — some with military experience gained in Ukraine — serving as drone instructors or operators.
« We are also alarmed by reports of foreign mercenaries, some of whom gained experience on the Ukrainian battlefield and are now employed as drone instructors or operators,» she told the UN Security Council.
Diplomatic stalemate frustrates peace efforts
Despite the Washington Agreement and subsequent negotiations, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Disagreements between Kinshasa and Kigali over the agreement’s provisions further hinder its implementation. Similarly, the Doha process, mediated by Qatar, has failed to make meaningful progress, with repeated rounds of talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group (supported by Rwanda) yielding no breakthrough.
The recent Montreux meeting in Switzerland, intended to revive negotiations, also fell short of expectations. With diplomatic efforts lagging behind ground realities, calls for adherence to peace commitments remain unheeded, deepening the deadlock and delaying tangible solutions.